Raiders exhibition opener: Five things to watch

Here are five things to watch in the Raiders' exhibition opener Friday at Minnesota:

1. In Schaub they trust: Dennis Allen has made it clear Matt Schaub (inset) is his starting quarterback. His appearance will be brief, and the Raiders hope it will be efficient. Especially if rookie Derek Carr comes in, lights it up and excites an anxious fan base watching on TV.

2. Mack attack: Players, coaches and the personnel department all appear convinced the Khalil Mack, the No. 5 pick in the draft, can be something special as a rookie starter. Getting a sack, a forced fumble or a tackle for loss would be a nice way to start.

3. Snap, spot, kick: Only with the Raiders is a seemingly routine exchange a cause for drama. Sebastian Janikowski missed nine field goal attempts last year without Shane Lechler as his holder. Marquette King is working to gain Janikowski's trust. Extra points will be from 33 yards out to start the exhibition season.

4. The MJD-D-Mac dynamic: Maurice Jones-Drew has enjoyed a rebirth, albeit in the controlled environment of training camp where there is no live tackling. If Jones-Drew is as good as he looks, the Raiders could isolate Darren McFadden as the back to get to the perimeter and use as a receiver.

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5. Controlling the line: The only familiar face center Stefen Wisniewski sees from last year's starters is Khalif Barnes, who will be pushed by rookie Gabe Jackson. With left tackle Donald Penn, right guard Austin Howard and right tackle Menelik Watson, the Raiders will need to be on the same page quickly.